The Difference Between Infrared and Traditional Heating in Churches

Heating a church isn’t just about comfort. It’s about doing it responsibly, efficiently, and without compromising the character of the building. For years, churches have relied on gas radiators, boilers, and warm air blowers. These traditional systems may be familiar, but they often fall short in heritage spaces.

Infrared heating takes a completely different approach, offering benefits that make it far more suitable for churches.

If you're comparing the two, this guide breaks down the key differences to help you make the right decision for your building.

1. How Each System Works

Traditional Heating (Convection-Based)

• Warms the air inside the building

• Heat rises and escapes into upper areas

• Requires hours to reach a comfortable temperature

• Needs radiators, ducts, or underfloor pipework

• Performs poorly in large, uninsulated spaces

Infrared Heating

• Warms people, objects, and surfaces directly

• Feels like natural sunlight

• Works independently of air temperature

• Uses wall-mounted or ceiling-suspended panels

• Ideal for tall ceilings and buildings with intermittent use

2. Energy Efficiency and Cost

Traditional heating systems are prone to energy loss. Much of the warm air escapes before it benefits anyone. Heating large volumes of unused space is both wasteful and expensive. These systems also require long preheat times before a service or event.

Infrared systems respond much faster. Because they don’t rely on warming air, they can provide noticeable warmth within minutes. You can also zone heating to target specific areas like pews, chapels, or altar spaces, without needing to heat the entire building.

Many churches that switch to infrared report reductions in energy use of 30 to 60 percent.

3. Building Protection and Preservation

Churches are often built with stone, brick, or timber. These materials absorb moisture, and they are highly sensitive to humidity and condensation. Unfortunately, convection systems heat the air, which raises humidity and encourages condensation on cold surfaces.

This can lead to damage to:

• Wooden features and pews

• Plaster and painted walls

• Organs and instruments

• Historical artworks or textiles

Infrared heating avoids these issues entirely. By warming surfaces and maintaining dry conditions, it protects the interior without introducing damp or thermal stress. It is also non-invasive and does not require any visible pipework or changes to listed features.

4. Visual and Acoustic Considerations

Conventional systems often introduce radiators, vents, or large heating units that clash with the historic look of a church. They may also require noisy blowers or fans.

Infrared heating is silent and visually discreet. Panels can be matched to ceiling colours or tucked into unused wall space. There are no moving parts, no noise, and no maintenance required.

This makes it easier to preserve the peaceful atmosphere and architectural integrity of the space.

5. Installation and Ongoing Maintenance

Installing a traditional system often means working with boilers, water connections, or even gas lines. These systems require annual servicing and are more likely to break down over time.

Infrared systems are simpler. Most installations involve mounting a heater on the wall or ceiling and connecting it to the electrical circuit. Once installed, infrared panels require no regular maintenance and have no filters, motors, or pumps to service.

Add smart thermostats and WiFi controls, and you can schedule heating with precision and monitor it remotely.

6. Performance in Real Church Environments

Here’s how the two systems compare side by side:

7. Which Option Is Right for Your Church?

If your building is large, poorly insulated, used intermittently, or listed, then infrared heating is likely the better option. You’ll benefit from faster heat delivery, lower costs, and minimal disruption to the building itself.

Most importantly, infrared heating helps protect what matters most: the structure, materials, and atmosphere of your place of worship.

8. Getting Started with Infrared Heating

We recommend:

• 4800W Heritage Infrared Heater for small to medium-sized spaces

• 7800W Heritage Infrared Heater for larger sanctuaries or cathedral-like environments

Both models offer remote or WiFi control and are designed specifically for heritage use. For even more efficiency, combine them with our smart thermostat system.

To calculate the power needed for your building, try our Wattage Calculator. Just enter the size and usage of your space to get an instant recommendation.

Final Thoughts

The difference between traditional and infrared heating is more than just technical. It’s about finding a system that respects the identity of your church while delivering reliable, efficient warmth.

Infrared offers a cleaner, faster, and more considerate alternative. It supports conservation, reduces your running costs, and helps maintain the special character of your building for generations to come.

Ready to explore the benefits?

• Browse our full Church Heating Collection

• Contact our expert team for tailored recommendations